THE BEST PUB IN THE WORLD; A grungy old bachelor's sofa, assorted cats who double as television stars and its own Rocky Horror burlesque troupe. Can this really be...(News)

Byline: by Philip Nolan

IT was a bit like waking up to find your granny at No.1 with a rap song. Last week, Lonely Planet, the world's most respected tourist guide, announced that the Harbour Bar in Bray was the world's best pub. Astonishing was too small a word for the victory.

After all, Bray, while not without its charms, has long since put its seaside resort past behind it and been swallowed up by the Greater Dublin metropolis, and while Lonely Planet has always been complimentary to the Harbour Bar, it rather unfairly called Bray run-down and 'the Irish Brighton'.

In the citation for the awards, run in association with Singha, the Thai beer, it said: 'The Harbour Bar allows you to fall into a unique relaxed atmosphere where you can sit, relax and enjoy the special ambiance that engulfs this hidden gem. Be it the locals' snug or the dimly lit main bar with promising musicians giving their best, everyone leaves with a smile, all wanting to come back and discover more of this beautifully quirky, homely bar.' The pub sits opposite the glorious, Victorian, porticoed Martello Terrace, which has, over the years, been home to James Joyce, film …